Ahab's Repentance
1 Kings 21:27 says, “And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly.”
After Elijah’s discouragement in Mt. Horeb (1 Ki 19:4), he spent about 5 years of quiet time by allowing God to work in his life. Now, he is no longer discouraged and defeated. But he returns reworked and ready for a renewed service to the Lord! He was commanded “to meet Ahab king of Israel” (v. 18), to deliver a message of judgment (v. 19), because of the horrible sins that he and Jezebel committed (v. 15). God knew exactly what they have done (Ps 7:9). Nothing escapes the all-seeing eye of God (Prov 15:3).
Ahab was given plenty of opportunities to repent. However, he refused and continued in his evil ways (v. 26). Now, God tells him that he will be judged accordingly (v. 22). But “when Ahab heard those words,” he finally repented by humbling himself before the Lord! Repentance is simply a change of mind that results in a change of action. It means more than feeling sorry or regret of sin (Ex 9:27). True biblical repentance is turning “toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21). It is the only way to get right with God (Acts 17:30), or face the terrible consequence of sin (Lk 13:3)!
The first step in repentance is confession of our sins (Rom 3:23), by agreeing with what God says about sin in His word (Rom 10:17). Then we must forsake or abandon our sins to receive God’s mercy (Prov 28:13). Repentance is the key to enjoying our fellowship with God (1 Jn 1:3); His presence, power, and protection (2 Thes 3:2), instead of His punishment! God showed Ahab mercy, because he repented. Judgment will still come (2 Ki 9:26), but it will be after his death and during “his son's days” (v. 29). Sadly, Ahab fell into sin once again (1 Ki 22:18). But he learned an important truth that repentance turns away God’s wrath! God bless you!
-Pastor Melito Barrera
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